A student protestor sits on the steps of Westcott before meeting with President Barron to protest tuition hikes. / Photo Courtesy of Kelsie Taggart

Written by

Olivia Wilson

Contributing Writer

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, one of FSU’s political parties, Progress Coalition, marched to President Eric Barron’s office to protest recent tuition hikes.

“We shouldn’t have to be here,” said Progress Coalition Education Director Cecelia O’Brien as she spoke to rally the people gathered before the march.“I am so excited to go speak to President Barron and demand that he stand with students.”

The group had a variety of signs, including ones that said “I have Bright Futures but my future isn’t so bright,” and “RIP affordable education.” After the group got together, they set out to march to Westcott Fountain, chanting, “Education is a right.”

Rick Scott vetoed the preeminence bill, which would allow the administration to raise tuition more than the fifteen percent currently allowed, mostly due to public scrutiny and response from students. However, the bill is likely to return to Gov. Scott’s table during the next legislative session.

Tuition hikes and education funding has been a problem for a while now, but Progress Coalition insists this is different than the average change.

“Tuition hikes happen every day,” said Progress Coalition member John Saullo. “Normally the state creates legislation to stop them at a certain point, but because of this bill that could be passed there would be no point at which they are required to stop. The amount of tuition could be raised to a seemingly unlimited number. It’s a huge problem and students are clearly suffering.”

The bill even goes further to allow certain majors-STEM majors in science, math and technology fields-to cost more.

“For example, the majors in the Stone Building,” said Saullo. “Youth unemployment rates are already incredibly high and this would make things even worse. Today’s economy requires college degrees, a high school diploma doesn’t mean nearly as much as it used to.”

The bill also addresses high school AP and IB credits. It no longer guarantees incoming freshmen that their credits will transfer—ultimately requiring them to retake classes they’ve already received credit for.

“It’s redundant and unnecessary,” said Saullo.

Progress Coalition released a formal statement about their views prior to their demonstration.

“Progress Coalition believes that raising tuition to make up for the loss of state funding is wrong and that new economic burdens shouldn’t be placed on the backs of hard working students,” the press release said. "At a time of economic uncertainty for the majority of Americans, increasing tuition on the future workers of America is only going to hurt the recovery of our country. Student loan debt is at the highest rate it has ever been yet the FSU President and Florida’s legislators think that cutting school funding and raising tuition is a smart move.”

After their meeting, President Barron and protestors ultimately agreed on a public forum to further address the issue of tuition.